20th anniversary for Warren Access

Warren Access is celebrating 20 years in business.

The Newcastle, UK-based rental company has a 24-strong fleet, including a range of vehicle-mounted platforms and a newly acquired 33 m Ruthmann Steiger T 330 truck mount.

Earlier this year, the company also acquired fellow rental firm Height for Hire and APS Training in Huntingdon – its first southern UK depot.

Founder Derek Warren said at 73 years old he has no plans to retire. “The joke with the staff is that he now only works part-time five days a week from 7.15 am to 6 pm,” said a company spokesman. This year Mr Warren also marks his 55th anniversary in the access industry.

Derek’s son Graeme helped set up the business in 1993. Derek then managed it on his own until 2005 when Graeme and his wife joined the management team. “Derek only had two van mounted platforms when he started, but now there is an impressive fleet of 24 vehicles,” added the company spokesman. “Over the years, Derek has built up a wonderful rapport with his customers and there can be no doubt that his work ethic and always putting the customer first has enormously contributed to the success of the company.”

A number of longstanding customers paid tribute to the success of Warren Access, including Martin Warriner from Gateshead Council, a local government organisation. Mr Warriner said, “It’s well over 25 years since I first knew Derek and remember when he first founded Warren Access. I thought it was a very brave thing to do.

“It’s been great to see how the business has grown over the years and that he and his son and daughter-in-law have made such a success of it. In all that time, I’ve never seen him annoyed at anything and he’s always made time for his customers and totally puts people at their ease.

“It’s amazing that at 73 he is still out there delivering machines. Despite being ‘the boss’, he’s always been approachable and he always makes time for his customers no matter how busy he is,” concluded Mr Warriner.